Domaine Bruno Clavelier, Pinot Noir & Gamay, Passetoutgrain, Bourgogne, France 2018

Bruno Clavelier is based in the commune of Vosne-Romanée in the Côte de Nuits subregion of Burgundy. The domaine was first founded in the late 18th Century and today encompasses vineyards in Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges as well as in the Corton Grand Cru appellation in Côte de Beaune subregion a little further south.

The cuvée comes from a single plot planted with 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Gamay Noir. The soil is clayey-loamy, slightly calcareous. The old vines, over 75 years old on average, naturally limit yields and give a fairly structured Passetougrain.

Farming is organic and biodynamic. Harvest is done by hand; vinification happens in oak vats with native yeasts, and less than 30% new oak is used allowing the terroir to shine through. The wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Despite the warm conditions in 2018, Bruno was able to capture a surprising amount of freshness and fruit clarity.

If you want to drink a Vosne without breaking the bank, put this bottle on your radar — or better yet, your dining room table.